Joao Constancia returns to music and hosting through TV5’s ‘Vibe’

When the idea of hosting the TV5 music countdown program, “Vibe,” was broached to him, actor Joao Constancia met it with excitement and enthusiasm.

“At first, I was excited, of course, because it’s a new opportunity, a new show in another network,” said Joao, one of the winners of the reality show “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” and a member of the all-male group Boyband PH, in a virtual interview with The STAR. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m excited, and I’m down (for) it.’”

His years of singing and performing with his group, plus hosting online shows, come in handy for Joao in being a “Vibe” jock.

“It’s also like, you know, another type of opportunity to take over kasi hindi lang pala performances ang gagawin ko, pati hosting rin pala (it’s a chance to grab in which it’s not only about performing, but also hosting),” shared he.

It’s also a great opportunity for him to tap his hosting side and revisit, in a way, his interest in music, particularly Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

After his stint and time in a boyband, Joao has dabbled in acting and eventually learned to love it.

“I focused on acting,” recalled he. “And then, I did some performances on the side while I was doing another show. Pero yung music talaga, medyo nawala for a while. So, when this (music) opportunity came back, parang it kinda reminded me rin na ‘Oo, nga noh may music pa pala akong ginawa dati, why not do something about it again, di ba?’ So, ayun, I got this opportunity.”

As one of the “Vibe” jocks in a show that champions OPM and its artists, Joao is also in a learning and appreciation curve or activity.

“I’m not just a host there. I’m also a student,” said he, “learning all about these new artists here coming from different genres and different backgrounds. Ang masasabi ko lang talaga we, Filipinos, have the talent. We have that talent. That’s a fact talaga and kaya nating ipaglaban ‘to (we can keep up with the other artists) worldwide.”

Joao and fellow “Vibe” jocks and Gen V hosts get to talk to emerging artists and see them perform in “Uprising” and know the career-defining moments and compositions of established singers and songwriters in “OG Experience.”

Both segments also allow the jocks and the audience to learn also the other ditties of artists aside from their signature songs and hits.

“Nakakatuwa dahil ang daming mga bagong artists dito sa Pilipinas na magaling (it’s good to know that we have new artists here who are so good),” said he.

“I am grateful to be part of this show, and it’s an honor,” added he. “We are able to represent the OPM scene and the music in the Philippines, and we can give a platform to all OPM artists.”

Aside from acting, Joao knows how a career in music or hosting is being jumpstarted. He is also in a position to give pieces of advice to rising stars and aspirants who wish to pursue these creative pursuits.

“I think the main important thing is to actually believe in themselves, believe in their talent and their craft ‘coz if they’re not confident enough, makikita yan, tatagos yan through screen at makikita yan ng viewers (it will be seen onscreen and felt by the viewers),” said he.

“It’s good that you’re studying the script, but also try to enjoy it,” shared Joao when it comes to hosting. “Don’t learn it word by word.”

If ever the young talents work with the experienced ones, the former should not be shy to join the banter, added Joao. They have to enjoy themselves and have fun.

Years ago, Joao also released his solo song titled Pretty Mama, written by his best friend, actor-singer Iñigo Pascual. It has become part of the “Uprising” countdown leaderboard.

If he is given the opportunity to record a new song and pursue a solo music career, Joao said he is game. “Mas experience na ako. Mas may alam na ako kung paano gumawa o mag-produce ng mga kanta (I’m more experienced as an artist, and I know better now in creating and producing songs)… I’m gonna be hands-on with it,” said he.

As an actor, he has also tried his hand at vertical drama series and wrapped up his first movie. Details about the latter will be given soon.

“Vibe” airs on weekdays at 4:45, weeknights at 11:30, and on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays, 6:45 p.m.